It is the worst feeling to be sick during the holidays. Here are some quick tips to help keep you safe, healthy, and wise…
- Stick to your routine exercise program, good hygiene, and eat healthily.
- Do not overexert yourself. Sometimes we think our holiday guests expect the world of us, but they really don’t. Take time to “smell the poinsettias”.
- Get your flu shot. One sick guest can get everyone else sick.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get enough sleep otherwise your immune system may become compromised.
- Make sure you always wash your hands, especially after visits to the bathroom and before meals.
- If your feet or any body part is cold and wet for too long you may get sick since your immune system could be weakened by the temperature conditions. This is not to say that being cold makes you sick. Germs make you sick. However if your immune system is depleted, you are more susceptible to catching an illness. You may want to consider taking vitamins as a daily routine.
- Take a hot bath or shower when you’ve been out in cold weather, especially for those of you heading to the mountains.
- Unfortunately, there are times when you can’t fully prevent being exposed to germs. Be mindful and bring hand sanitizer along or keep one handy in your purse or car.
- Don’t ever share personal items like toothbrushes, shaving brushes, and anything that has touched someone else’s face. This a definite NO NO!
- Don’t share food with other people when you are feeling sick. This includes holiday treats that are laying around and everyone touches.
- Fully dry your hair after you get out the shower. First use a towel, and then a hairdryer before you get into bed at night.
- On a very cold winter night, make sure you are warm and covered up in bed.
Some of you reading this may think that my ideas listed above are too much effort or overly simplistic. Some may even argue that a lack of exposure to dirt and germs will weaken your immune system because you don’t have a hardy constitution. If people call you a germaphobe or say that you’re germaphobic, just simply reply that there’s no such word (it’s actually baccilophobic or bacteriaphobic which is the fear of germs).
Ask yourself though… would you rather get sick in trying to ‘build up’ your immune system or would you rather not catch it in the first place?
Have a Happy and Very Healthy Holiday Season…
Warmest Regards,
George Lindsey M.D. FACP
The information provided is for general interest only and should not be misconstrued as a diagnosis, prognosis or treatment recommendation. This information does not in any way constitute the practice of medicine, or any other health care profession. Readers are directed to consult their health care provider regarding their specific health situation. Marque Medical is not liable for any action taken by a reader based upon this information.